Anymore, there’s nothing new about a tuition increase for Kent State students.

We report it; you read it, and we don’t believe anyone is all that shocked these days.

Just frustrated.

As reported in the Stater last week, David Creamer, vice president for administration, said that Kent State will increase its tuition this fall.

Although the Board of Trustes will have the final say in the matter at its May 24 meeting, we have no doubt members will follow Creamer’s recommendation. They always do. And as Creamer said himself, he can’t imagine there wouldn’t be an increase.

The tuition increase will likely change undergraduate in-state tuition to $8,431 and out-of-state tuition to $16,309.

We don’t wag our fingers at the university, though. The state of Ohio simply is not giving enough money to higher education

Creamer told the committee the need for next year’s tuition increase stems from state support for higher education.

Again, nothing shocking – just upsetting.

“When you attend a public university, there are two portions that pay for your tuition,” Creamer said. “One is the portion the students contribute and the other is the portion the state contributes. Unfortunately, the portion the state contributes has continued to decline.”

According to Creamer, the state of Ohio will give Kent State $84 to $85 million in State Share of Instruction money next year. The university received roughly that same amount of money in 1997, despite enrollment increases of around 16 to 17 percent since that time.

In comparison to other schools in the state, Creamer said Kent State has been doing a good job keeping tuition rates down, and we believe him. This year, Kent State was the third largest school in Ohio in terms of enrollment but had the seventh most expensive tuition.

Frankly, the state of Ohio has done a poor job shifting from its long-dead manufacturing economy, and Gov. Taft hasn’t been much of a help either in providing money to higher education. If you want a prosperous economy, you need college-educated citizens. It’s that simple.

Hopefully the state’s next governor will understand that.

The above editorial is the consensus opinion of the Daily Kent Stater editorial board. Aman Ali, editorial writer and student affairs reporter, did not contribute to this opinion.